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Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 takes over San Francisco [video]

Ultimate Urban Playground

The freestyle rally video franchise continues with the streets of San Francisco turned into an urban playground for Mr. Block and his 600hp Ford Fiesta lovingly nicknamed Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle (H.F.H.V.).

Despite the overall concept of the Gymkhana series in its fifth release, Block still manages to captivate as Gymkhana FIVE focuses on fast, raw and precise driving action in a city famous for its iconic locations and landmarks. Large sections of the city were shut down for filming.

DC Shoes VP of Marketing, Jeff Taylor states, "Ken's driving is on a whole new level and the streets of San Francisco provided the perfect natural terrain to showcase it. There's never been anything like this and people are going to be blown away when they see it!"

In addition to cameos by Motocross legend, Travis Pastrana, and S.F. resident Jake Phelps of Thrasher Magazine, Gymkhana FIVE showcases a couple of spectacular stunts such as a high speed jump at the top of Russian Hill and a very big sideways drift while in mid-air.

Chosen for its unique physical terrain and its ability to be easily recognized on a global level, San Francisco served as the perfect location for Gymkhana FIVE. The city by the bay known for its iconic bridges, steep windy streets, and distinct neighborhoods-as well as a famous chase scene in the movie Bullit-provided an ideal gymkhana playground that increased the difficulty level of not just the tricks, but driving lines as well. And, for the first time ever, all of Block's driving was done on real streets.

Never short of surprises, Gymkhana FIVE presents a whole slew of new tricks and locations. The city with over 7.5 million residents appears like its own racecourse, as Block rips through with not a person in sight. Locations like the Financial District and The Bay Bridge were able to be shut down specifically for Block to put rubber to pavement. Block also tackled extreme angles and terrain through such iconic locations as Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, Twin Peaks and the San Francisco Bay itself, thanks to a barge. From donuts to drifting, Gymkhana FIVE: Ultimate Urban Playground; San Francisco undoubtedly features some of the most difficult and intense driving that has ever been recorded.

As with any video in the Gymkhana franchise, the cameos add an additional element of surprise and excitement. Motocross legend, Travis Pastrana makes an unforgettable appearance in the video with Block. This trick was the first time Travis had been on a motorcycle since his injury at X Games nearly a year before. The San Francisco trolley, the barge and the Port of S.F. each serve as significant characters of their own in GYM5 as well.

"It's hard to imagine we'd top the last one, but Gymkhana FIVE is the best in the series by far! Fans loved the raw nature of Gym3 and were awed by the unprecedented location access in Gym4," said DC VP of Marketing, Jeff Taylor. "Gymkhana FIVE is more than just the best of both though. Ken's driving is on a whole new level and the streets of San Francisco provided the perfect natural terrain to showcase it. There's never been anything like this and people are going to be blown away when they see it!"

While the locations may be new, Block's trusty Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle(H.F.H.V.) is back for this video. The car featured in Gymkhana FIVE is the same car that was used in GYM4. Whether its tearing up Universal Studios or jumping intersections in the hills of San Francisco, the H.F.H.V was designed by Block and the Monster World Rally Team to compete in three distinct disciplines: gymkhana, RallyCross and stage rally. The car features a 2.0 L turbo charged motor that generates 600hp, 665 lb-ft of torque and can go from zero to 60 mph in only 1.8 seconds. Block's dedication to the specific design of his H.F.H.V. has paid off with success as he used it to win the 100 AcreWood Rally in Missouri earlier this year, as well as recently driving it to a silver medal at Summer X Games just a week ago. Also returning for this video are director Ben Conrad and his amazing production team at LOGAN. Conrad and his team utilized their Hollywood experience to transform San Francisco into the ultimate playground movie set.